Wine lovers who want to experience the flavors of one of the boldest of the dessert wines need only look for a good bottle of Port. This famed wine originates from Portugal and is famed for its sweet, but often rich flavor.

True port wine is a fortified product made from grapes grown in Portugal’s Douro Valley. The country so closely guards its favorite wine that national law only allows wine from this region to be called Port. Wines of this variety made elsewhere tend to have variations on the name, but this is not always the case. While they may not come from the Douro Valley, many of these brands offer rich and inviting flavors nonetheless.

To create this unique flavored wine, the Portuguese blend grapes of differing varieties. Before the fermentation process reaches its end, brandy is added to the mix. This gives port a very unique flavor when compared to other dessert wines. Some port wines might also boast infusions of other flavors, such as plums, toffee or blackberries.

Port wine tends to undergo a rather lengthy maturation process. The wine is stored in casks for up to three years before bottling. After this, it can mature right in the bottle for as long as 25 years.  There are a wide variety of Port flavors on the market. The colors can range from red to white with tawny also an option. Actual flavors and aromas can vary based on the items a Port is blended with.

Port wine offers such unique flavors that it tends to stand alone without the need for a dessert accompaniment. If foods are desired along with this drink, roasted nuts, dark chocolate or Stilton cheese are often recommended.

When a distinct flavor in wine is desired for an after-dinner drink, Port doesn’t fail to deliver. This unusual beverage offers a rich, but sweet flavor that can stand alone or add depth to chocolate, cheese and other light dessert items.